WESTERN TURKEY AND MARMARIS GULET CRUISE

Arrival at Istanbul airport. You will be met and transferred to your hotel.

DAY 2: Istanbul

Following breakfast, we drive to the 'Old City' where we visit the Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar, the Blue Mosque, famous for its delicate blue ceramic tiles and Saint Sophia. This church - turned mosque - turned museum takes the breath away with the sheer architectural size of its interior and magnificent dome and next we will visit the spectacular Topkapi Palace. Built on one of the seven hills of Istanbul, this huge complex commands views of the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. It was the seat of government for the Ottoman Empire for many centuries (1453-1852) and we see the extravagant Treasury, the priceless Chinese porcelain Optional: Tonight join our Turkish dinner and enjoy Turkish belly dancing and folk dancing entertainment.(B)

DAY 3: Gallipoli-Dardanelles-Canakkale

We begin our scenic drive down to Gallipoli, historically famous for being the site of many battles during XXI. Visit Anzac Cove and Lone pine cemetery Chunuk Bair, Gabatepe War Museum then across the Dardanelles to Canakkale for overnight .(B,D)

DAY 4: Troy-Pergamum-Kusadasi

Visit Troy with its famous wooden horse. Referred to in Homer's "Iliad" and "Odyssey", Troy has in fact nine citiessuperimposed one upon another. Troy VI pertains to the famous Trojan War of Homer where the legendary heroes included Agamemnon, Achilles, Ulysses and Nestor on the Greek side and, Priam, Hector and Paris on the Trojan side. On our journey to Kusadasi we stop by the hauntingly beautiful Pergamon. Among the impressive structures of this city, dating from 399 B.C. Tour Ancient Medical Center Asclepion in Pergamum where methods of treatment included blood transfusions, music therapy and meditation. Leaving Pergamon behind us we settle at our hotel in Kusadasi.(B,L,D)

DAY 5: Ephesus-St. Mary’s House-Kusadasi

We arrive at the ancient city of Ephesus and first visit the Basilica of St. John, who came here with the Virgin Mary and wrote his Gospel. Ephesus was undoubtedly one of the most important cultural centers of the ancient world. Impressive structures we see include the Library of Celsus, Temple of Hadrian, Theater and Odeon. Afternoon Optional : Tour of Sardis or Sirince.(B,D)

DAY 6 - 13: Marmaris

After breakfast, you will be transfered to your yacht in Marmaris and embark for your